Brothers and sisters,

Thank you!

I have genuinely felt blessed during these seven years (and one month) while serving as your pastor. At Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, I have truly caught glimpses of the kingdom of heaven. You have cultivated a love for the Lord in the Eucharist, a love for building community through hospitality and meals, and a love for serving the poor through SALT and outreach ministries. You appreciate that these are not distinct priorities but are united in God’s calling us to his table. You are eager to grow in your faith and to give powerful witness to the reason for your hope.

Over these years, I have accumulated too much stuff – and to be fair, I brought too much stuff with me (I have some boxes of things I never touched at OLPH). I feel guilty admitting that I just opened a couple of birthday cards from January (thank goodness, no checks) – and, even worse, discovered four cards from Christmas 2020 that had accidentally fallen behind books on the bookshelf (telling that I did not move those books either). I’ve also had the chance to re-read letters and cards over these years. Some are deflating. Parishioners who took the time to let me know they were leaving, or expressing disappointment in some disagreement. Yet, overwhelmingly they are letters of support and encouragement. You have often acknowledged my strengths, while kindly diminishing my faults. Responding to your communications, whether phone calls, emails, or letters, has definitely been one of those weaknesses. I’ve failed in expressing thanks – and while I’ll do my best to mitigate that, I know I cannot express enough gratitude personally to you.

In the midst of reviewing cards and letters, I’ve also been reading my mother’s powerful cards. She wrote often – not just Christmas and Birthday but Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Easter, Anniversary, Back to School, and Thanksgiving – along with a few other random notes. In Spring 2019, as I prepared to move to OLPH, my mother gave me this encouragement: “You are a letter from Christ,” quoting 2 Corinthians 3:3, where Paul calls us to recognize the Spirit of the Living God written on human hearts, rather than tablets of stone. She then retold a Joyce Meyer story, in which her grandsons didn’t want to go fishing but rather to go catching. She summed up the advice, “We all want results, but fishing takes time, patience, and getting to know the fish. You do that.”

If you get distracted at times with success and achievement, remember that God does not judge us by results. He asks us to show up and make the effort. Remain loyal and disciplined. Sometimes, the fruits will be evident. Many times, we may be just planting or cultivating seeds that another will witness sprouting into beautiful flowers.

In the coming weeks, I’d encourage you to enter into some self-evaluation or introspection. How are you growing as a disciple? Reflect on our parish discipleship pathway: Belong, Believe, Become, Beyond. You may be thriving in one area of formation, but I encourage you to reflect on the ways the Lord is calling you to grow. Remember, the parish will keep thriving if you engage and invest. Remain or get involved. Commit to time for prayer and adoration. Learn about your faith and serve your neighbor in ways the Lord places on your heart. And be generous. I encourage you to increase your offertory (you do not have to wait for the annual stewardship update and appeal).

I in turn am starting my next adventure – with the aim of simplifying my life (reducing distractions) and staying focused on what’s most important: time with Christ and building relationships with his people. I hope to improve my communications (particularly responding to emails, letters, and cards) in order to encourage people that they are loved and cherished.

I truly love you and will keep you in my prayers. May the Lord reward your good works and shower you with his graces!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Regina Caeli Academy invites you to consider a role that blends faith, learning, and community. If you have ever wondered how your gifts may serve the Church, this might be your moment. Local centers are hiring now. What we offer: Top-Tier Classical Curriculum, Part-Time Positions, Faithful Catholic Environment, and a Mission that Matters. Come see what positions are open. Visit rcahybrid.org/employment to learn more.

ENCOUNTER SCHOOL OF MINISTRY SUMMER INTENSIVE is being offered on July 27–30th, 6–9 PM. Mother of God Community, 20501 Goshen Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Come and grow in your identity as a beloved child of God. This program enables attendees to experience the power of the Holy Spirit, with a curriculum vetted by top-notch Catholic theologians and scholars. Each teaching is followed by exercises designed to help you hear and respond to God in the depths of your heart. The transformation experienced from encountering Jesus propels us to be disciples and heralds of the New Evangelization. The four evenings introduce the first year of the 2-year Encounter School of Ministry: Identity, Prophecy, Inner Healing, and Freedom. Come with expectant faith that Jesus makes all things new. Register before July 1 for 20% off: encounterdc.regfox.com/encounter-dc-summer-intensive-2026

IGNATIUS SPIRITUAL EXERCISES – Loyola University’s Office of Mission Integration is offering the greater Baltimore community the opportunity to pray the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola during the 2026–27 academic year. Over the past nine years, over 300 people have availed themselves of this opportunity. Our approach will be one that Ignatius himself proposed for busy people — a way to make a prayerful and potentially transformative retreat in everyday life. Over the course of nine months of daily prayer with Scripture, journaling, and regular conversation with a guide, one can experience the same graced movements and discoveries that a privileged few get to make in 30 days of secluded silence. Please attend our Zoom Information Session on Tuesday, August 25th at 7:00 pm. Contact sue-cesare@dexterco.com or sspahn@loyola.edu for more information.

MARY’S HOME MARYLAND IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS – Whether you have skills, knowledge, time, or fellowship to share, Mary’s Home needs you! Opportunities in babysitting, financial mentorship, transportation, cleaning, organizing, and more are available. Reach out to Mary’s Home at info@maryshomemaryland.org. Mary’s Home Maryland empowers expectant mothers and their children in crisis by providing a safe home, supportive community, and holistic accompaniment on their journey toward family stability.

O’DWYER GOLF TOURNAMENT – The 2026 Annual Golf Tournament benefitting O’Dwyer Retreat Center will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at The Woodlands Golf Course, 2309 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, select drinks, and 18 holes of golf on the beautiful Woodlands Golf Course, while helping support the mission and ministry of O’Dwyer Retreat Center. Take a break and spend a day away golfing with old friends, making new ones, and supporting a great cause. Call 410-472-2400, email odwyer@archbalt.org, or check the website for more info, to register, or to sponsor: odwyercenter.org/event/2026-golf-tournament.

ENCOUNTER JESUS – with the Children of Mary Sisters, held September 13–16, every night from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Manchester, MD (2930 Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD 21102). Every night there will be confessions, adoration, and an inspiring talk from these amazing, semi-contemplative sisters! For more information, email Jordan Taylor at jordan.taylor@archbalt.org.

BIRDIES FOR BRAIN TUMOR GOLF TOURNAMENT – Please join us on Friday, September 12th, at Fairway Hills Golf Club for a fun golf day as we tee up and raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society. The Stavely Family is hosting this event. Please visit the link to sign up. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Ann at 443-538-6736. https://events.golfstatus.com/event/2025-birdies-for-brain-tumors/